( This post is reprinted from my post http://obi4b.wordpress.com/2010/10/03/free-from-above/ The blog is titled Guide to his Word where I post commentaries on the word of God. You may want to check it out. My approach to the Bible is from a non-sectarian standpoint. b)
Gen1:16′God made two great lights-…and also stars.’

Here we see the mention of lights but with special reference to the sun, moon and stars. We also have a clue supplied by God the Spirit: these are set in the expanse of the sky as signs. Purpose of such signs is two-fold. This serves as a marker for seasons, days and years. Secondly such signs explain the divine Will where it concerns us. For a skeptic the origin of the heavenly bodies must explain in such manner his rational mind can accept as correct. For a child of God reason must address his body and spirit as well. Hence emphasis shall vary than for a skeptic. For the former righteousness means being obedient to his Will the emphases of the sun, moon and stars as signs must add to his knowledge in the spirit or in his inner man, to use a scriptural expression. Holy Spirit has recorded the creation account so that such signs can serve as tool to unlock the mysteries of God. One fifth of the Scriptures concern with prophesies of some sort. Hence the heavenly bodies as signs hold weight and relevance to a Christian regardless of whatever persuasion.

In the Book of Revelation we read of a woman clothed with the sun Rev.12. The sun serves as a clue, a sign. As with celestial bodies numbers also hold significance. Holy Spirit must hold special significance as we saw with names, in giving a number of 1260 days (Rev12:6) as distinct from a statement in in Genesis’-And there was evening, and there was morning -the fourth day(1:19).’ Holy Spirit in putting the record straight or setting God’s Will in signs or symbols is striking a warning. Literal interpretation may not be what Holy Spirit has in mind, It is to be revealed in God’s time. 1260 would be roughly three and a half years. Would it therefore hint the earthly ministry of Jesus or something else? Science can only be appreciated with strict application of reason; no less is expected of a child of God. His spirit or inner man shall not be sustained or edified by errors. This note of caution must be sounded whenever we handle the Word. For example note what Spirit says:’Let him that hath understanding count..for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred three score and six (Rev13:18).’ Even here instances are not wanting in the way Bible teachers have in the past cited the names of Nero, Napoleon, Saddam Hussein et al to denigrate them. God the Spirit does not want man to cast all restraints in interpreting the Word of God with a spirit of pride. In studying the word of God, we require wisdom and it is not earthly kind.( Jas3:14-18,13) We have the assurance of God that wisdom to understand his Word is from God (Jas.1:5).